NWA 13758 Meteorite Specimen Official R3 Rumuruti Chondrite Northwest Africa Meteorite

An authentic specimen of the officially classified Northwest Africa 13758 (NWA 13758) meteorite, a rare Rumuruti chondrite (R3) approved in Meteoritical Bulletin 110 in 2022. Recovered in Algeria and associated with the remote Tanezrouft Plateau region, NWA 13758 represents one of the more significant Rumuruti chondrite discoveries in recent years.

R chondrites are among the rarest ordinary chondrite groups and are highly prized by advanced meteorite collectors due to their unusual mineralogy, oxidized composition, and distinctive appearance. NWA 13758 is especially notable for its abundant visible chondrules, brecciated structure, and contrasting lithologic domains preserved within the stone.

Official Classification

• Name: Northwest Africa 13758 (NWA 13758)
• Country: Algeria
• Region: Adrar / Tanezrouft Plateau
• Year Purchased: 2017
• Classification: Rumuruti Chondrite (R3)
• Shock Stage: S2
• Weathering Grade: W1
• Total Known Weight: Approximately 100 kg
• Official Publication: Meteoritical Bulletin 110

Physical Characteristics

Official reports describe: dark brown sandblasted exterior, brecciated internal structure, abundant visible chondrules, clasts up to ~2 cm, fine-grained matrix, two distinct lithologic domains, and gray and brownish-orange matrix regions.

Scientific Composition

Scientific analysis identified: unequilibrated olivine and pyroxene, abundant chondrules, chromite, pentlandite, troilite, albitic plagioclase, and absence of metallic iron.

Two Primary Lithologic Domains

• Domain “A” — approximately R3.7
• Domain “B” — approximately R3.9

These primitive unequilibrated textures and mineral assemblages make NWA 13758 especially important for scientific study and highly desirable among collectors of rare chondrites.

Unlike common ordinary chondrites, Rumuruti chondrites are known for: oxidized mineralogy, reddish-brown appearance, low metal content, primitive unequilibrated textures, and abundant visible chondrules.

Ideal For

• Rumuruti chondrite collectors
• Primitive meteorite collectors
• Advanced planetary science collections
• Museum and educational displays
• Rare classified meteorite collections
• Collectors of unusual chondrule-rich meteorites

Depending on preparation, specimens may display: abundant distinct chondrules, brecciated textures, contrasting matrix coloration, primitive mineral structures, and polished chondrule-rich surfaces.

A remarkable extraterrestrial artifact representing one of the rarer and more scientifically distinctive meteorite classes available to collectors today.

Measurements & Weight

• Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 0.3 mm
• Weight: 3g

Condition

Please review all photos carefully for overall condition, weathering, fractures, chondrule visibility, brecciation, and surface characteristics, as they are considered part of the description. Meteorites are natural extraterrestrial objects and commonly display structural variation, oxidation, and natural atmospheric features.